I figured we should make a bit of a list of items we should or shouldn't bring. I see them creeping up in various posts and keeping them in one would probably help for future reference.
Granted ESID and some peoples needs/wants are different than others and I am sure some items can appear on both lists, so take it as a rough guide. (and by all means keep adding your 2 cents) I will try and edit the top post to keep a running list going ^_^COMPILED FROM VARIOUS SOURCES/ESID. USE YOUR COMMON SENSE AND PERSONAL NEEDS/TASTES WHEN DECIDING IF THINGS ARE NECESSARY FOR YOUR SITUATION (ALSO YOUR PRED'S ADVICE IF APPLICABLE.)
Items in PINK have been discussed and have strong points for and against. Read the discussions and make your own decision.
Strongly recommended to bring
- *Adapter for 3 pronged computers
*Shoes if you are bigger than North American size 8 for women or size 10 for men *More in depth topic on shoes here: http://www.jetprogramme.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=11377
*Clothes if you wear clothes size 12 and up (women)
*Deodorant (deodorant in Japan seems to be weaker, antiperspirant can be found in some pharmacies)
*Aleve (double check if it is allowed first, I know some over the counter medicines are illegal in Japan, anyone know which ones?)
*Bug Bite cream (for killer mosquitoes)
*Personal Make-up/foundation - Japanese make up is often the wrong tone for western skin
* tampons/sanitary napkins (to tie you over till you find a suitable replacement)
* laptop
* swimsuit
*1 suit
* Medicine: eg. advils, anti-itch, anti-burn, immodium/pepto, cold/flu *Make sure it is not banned*
*condoms/Birth control pills
*Pictures and videos from home (of your house, neighbourhood, schools, stores, kids, pets, hobbies you do…)
*Ladies: Bras
*Ladies: Yeast infection products/medicines (if you are prone to them)
*Hair dye for non-Asian hair (if you dye your hair)
*External hard drive full of stuff
*one tube of cold sore medicine (if you are prone to them)
*bug spray/lotion
*Toothpaste (if you need fluoride, you can find Aquafresh in Japan)
*Moisturisers – Japanese ones tend to have skin whitener in them
*Towels – only if you're deeply in love with your thick and fluffy towels
*q-tips, ear swabs (you can find them in Japan, but they are not as fluffy)
*Stuffed Animals. Personal things. Knickknacks.
*Sunscreen
Strongly recommended not to Bring
- *Kitchen appliances
*DVD player (wait to see if you predecessor has one, or use your laptop)
*Adapter (if your computer is two pronged like MacBooks)
*Plug in alarm clocks
*hair dryer
*curling iron
*hair straightener/flat iron
*No eye drops/nasal spray (nasal spray is not allowed, but if you need eye drops for the flight over bring them, just no need to stock up)
*shampoo/conditioner (unless you have special hair or travel size for the first week)
*soap
*loufa
* handkerchiefs
*instant coffee
*If you are average size or smaller don’t bring too many clothes
* map of japan (unless you want an English one and don't plan to get a smart phone)
*flashlight
*cell/mobile phone
*umbrella
*scale
*bottle opener
*non essential books
*Low cut shirts (Ladies)
*A lot of Jewelery (they are not allowed in school. Bring some for the weekend though if you like.)
*Various craft supplies (you can get them from the Daiso/100 yen shops)
*desktop towers/monitors (break it down and only bring the inner components if you really need your desktop)
* sunscreen (though you can buy it in Japan)
Ok to bring if you want/need & Special Interests/Hobbies
- * Straight/curling iron if you must have it and if it is good quality. (you will have to use a higher heat setting) *warning European/Australian models may not work in Japan*
*ipod
*kindle
*wii/game consol(though you can get them in Japan if you are ok spending the money. Japan wiis and xboxs only play Japanese games and vis-versa)
*Favourite spices (check first to see if Japan has them)
*Blu-Rays
*IF you are above average size and keen on your sport: sporting gear (ski boots and the like)
*PS3 games (leave the PS3 at home and get a cheap one in Japan)
*thermal undies/long johns (IF you are placed where winters will be cold. Have them shipped. Uniqlo has something similar but not as good.)
From the handbook:
"To minimise the baggage you bring with you to Japan, please have things such as winter clothing, bulky
items such as bicycles, surfboards, skis, etc. sent to you after you arrive in Japan."
&
"Do not send your extra baggage to Narita Airport as cargo because there is no opportunity to collect it."
Classroom Recommendations
- *stickers- scratch and sniff
*stamps
*newspaper
*money (coins for examples)
*postcards
*magazines
*Box of local snacks/candy
* keychains
* postcards
* temporary tattoos
Omiyage... it is a debate read through it below it and make your own decision
Omiyage de-recommendations?
- *mini lotions for gifts
*Anything that will melt in Tokyo’s insane heat i.e. Chocolate
Known Illegal OTC Medicines in Japan
- * medicines that contain Pseudoephedrine or Codeine
* Tylenol Cold
* Nyquil
* Nyquil Liquicaps
* Actifed
* Sudafed
* Advil Cold & Sinus
* Dristan Cold ("No Drowsiness")
* Dristan Sinus
* Drixoral Sinus
* Vicks Inhaler
* Lomotil
* Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAO) used in any anti-depressant capacity - such as Moclobemide marketed as Aurorix
* any conventional Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) - the list is too exhaustive for this page.http://traveljapan.wikispaces.com/medicine+restrictions
so if I did please let me know ^___^
